callus

1 of 2

noun

cal·​lus ˈka-ləs 

1

: a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark

2

: a mass of exudate and connective tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is converted into bone in healing

3

: soft tissue that forms over a wounded or cut plant surface

callus

2 of 2

verb

callused; callusing; calluses

intransitive verb

: to form callus

transitive verb

: to cause callus to form on

Examples of callus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But with the growing greed and callus indifference towards its horses by its owners, Calumet Farm changed. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Weiser suggests looking for stretchy material, which ensures a comfortable walking experience and also reduces the risk of foot pain due to friction, which can cause blisters, corns and calluses. —Samson McDougall, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Verb

This allows the stem to callus where it was cut or broken, which helps prevent disease. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

Those with sweaty pits and callused hands — asphalt rakers, flatbed drivers, farmers, and welders — already know the score. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin

First Known Use

Noun

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1824, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

callus

1 of 2 noun

cal·​lus ˈkal-əs 

plural calluses

1

: a hard thickened area on skin or bark

2

: a mass of tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is changed into bone in the healing of the break

3

: tissue that forms over an injured plant surface

callus

2 of 2 verb

: to form callus

Medical Definition

callus

noun

cal·​lus ˈkal-əs 

1

: a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin

2

: a mass of exudate and connective tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is converted into bone in the healing of the break